Can't Bring Myself to Do What it is You Think I Should

My children asked me to buy a certain video game. I told them we might do so when they get their report cards on Thursday.

Both boys started to cry.

Seems their math teacher told them they were getting a *PP*.

Oh hell no.

*PP* stands for partially proficient, which doesn't make much sense because my sons have gotten good grades all year. But I didn't freak. I told them to ask their teacher for the makeup work from when they were absent and they'd get it done before Thursday.

When Husband picked them up from school, Oldest said, "Miss Blah Blah said it was too late. They turned in grades already. Too bad."

How mean-spirited is that? Telling two boys they're, in a sense, failing and can't do anything about it. Never contacting the parents to tell them of the situation. Never ever doing the right thing. How mean-spirited is that?

And so the fights with small-minded maroons in this town continues.

I sent out an email, hoping my children misunderstood the situation. No such luck. The teacher responded, telling me the same thing she told them.

I sent this response to her, her team teachers, the principal and the Principal's boss:

Dear Miss Blah Blah,

I find it hard to understand why two children, who've done well all year, are now slipping and, as parents, we weren't notified.

School does not end until Thursday. I want the boys to make up their work in order to improve their grades.

At the beginning of the year, you explained to us that you were not used to parents being involved with their children. Oldest and Youngest have involved parents. They also have had more than their share of challenges this year, especially in the last few months. I will not allow them to be further punished and a possible appointment at a private school jeopardized because of this situation at your school.

Solve this problem now, before I am compelled to hire someone who will.

Catherine Robinson

It goes without saying that this has been a challenging year for us. I feel like I'm fighting someone every single day. But I've checked myself and my family. And I'm content with the knowledge that we don't deserve this. And so I'm not ready to back down.

Thanks to SuperDave, I watch this video and think if *they* can get through such nonsense, I can get through this. My troubles aren't nearly as traumatic. Still, the song hits home.



Of course, I don't have millions to cushion the blows. But I get nasty e-mails. And dirty looks. And concerted efforts to demoralize my children and me because we're in the minority. Because we're different.

I put up with haters. And I will fight back.

If they want to try me.